Raise a Glass for Rioja Restaurant Week

“We hope Rioja Restaurant Week patrons will use the occasion to explore the affordable, versatile, and food-friendly wines that Rioja has to offer without even having to leave the country.” – Vibrant Rioja campaign director Pablo Olay.

Here are three haute choices for Manhattanites to enjoy Spain without leaving the island…

David Burke Townhouse

Enjoy American food from award-winning Executive Chef David Burke at this freshly renovated, elegant, and might we say whimsical space. Choose from a delightful selection on the Rioja Restaurant Week Menu. Appetizers include pretzel crusted crabcake and sweet chili prawn or simple salad, main course a choice of short ribs, organic grilled chicken breast, or paradise seared salmon and for the grand finale top off your lunch with a touch of sweet tooth decadence. Dessert choices include strawberry shortcake sundae, citrus pound cake, and more. Lunch includes a glass of 2001 Ramirez de la Piscina “Reserva” Rioja Spain. True luxury for only $25.

David Burke Townhouse is located at 133 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065 (212) 813-2121

Braeburn

A place to call home with the offerings of a well kept manor, Braeburn is the perfect fine dining restaurant to enjoy a fresh glass of Rioja. For Restaurant Week, dinner runs $35 and includes a glass nothing less than a world class Rioja. Choose from Stuffed Baby Squid or Ruby Crescent Potato Salad for the first course, Pan Roasted Rhode Island Skate or Pennsylvania Chicken for the second, and Olive Oil Cake or Creme Carmel to finish. This tasting is simply perfect on date night to try them all.

Braeburn is located at 117 Perry Street, New York, NY 10014

La Fonda del Sol

If swanky, refined modernist environment and Modern Spanish cuisine are your cup of Rioja then La Fonda del Sol is just what the doctor ordered. During Rioja week, La Fonda del Sol will be offering a lunch menu for $25 and a dinner for $35. Choose three tapas and a glass of Remondo-Palacios “La Vendemia” Rioja, 2008 will accompany them. From Octopus over potatoes, peppers and pimentos, to Garlic Shrimp and Churrasco of Beef, there are flavors to stimulate all palettes. Continue the Rioja adventure with a bottle from their private reserve, such as Bodegas La Rioja Alta, Gran Reserva “890” Rioja Alta, 1982 ($415).

La Fonda del Sol is located at 44th Street & Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10166 (212) 867-6767

For more information about the event check out http://riojarestaurantweek.com.